Hadith #4974

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لا يُؤْتَي العِلْمُ اِلاّمِنْ سُوءِ فَهْمِ السّامِعِ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of understanding and comprehending knowledge correctly. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (knowledge) "عِلْمُ" in this Hadith refers to the understanding and comprehension of information. It encompasses all forms of knowledge, including religious knowledge, worldly knowledge, and intellectual knowledge. It is a gift from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) that enables us to seek guidance, make informed decisions, and benefit ourselves and others.

The phrase (miscomprehension) "سُوءِ فَهْمِ" refers to the incorrect understanding or interpretation of knowledge. It implies that knowledge can be distorted or misused if it is not comprehended properly. Miscomprehension can lead to confusion, misguidance, and even harmful actions.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 269:

He grants wisdom to whom He pleases, and whoever is granted wisdom is indeed given a great good.

This verse highlights the importance of wisdom, which is closely related to knowledge. Wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge in a wise and beneficial manner. It is the understanding of how to use knowledge for the betterment of oneself and society.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Zumar, verse 9, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

Are those who know equal to those who do not know?

This verse emphasizes the distinction between those who possess knowledge and those who lack it. It implies that knowledge is a valuable asset that sets individuals apart and enables them to make informed choices.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the dangers of miscomprehension. When knowledge is misunderstood or misinterpreted, it can lead to negative consequences. For example, if a person misinterprets religious teachings, they may engage in misguided practices or misunderstand the true essence of Islam. Similarly, in worldly matters, miscomprehension can lead to incorrect decisions, misunderstandings, and conflicts.

To avoid miscomprehension, it is essential to seek knowledge from reliable and authentic sources. The Quran itself is the ultimate source of guidance, and it provides a clear framework for understanding various aspects of life. Additionally, seeking knowledge from knowledgeable scholars and experts ensures a proper understanding of complex subjects.

Moreover, this Hadith reminds us of the importance of humility and open-mindedness when acquiring knowledge. It is crucial to approach learning with a sincere intention and a willingness to accept and correct our misconceptions. This attitude allows us to grow intellectually and spiritually, and it safeguards us from falling into the trap of miscomprehension.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that knowledge is a valuable gift from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), but it can be ruined by the miscomprehension of the listener. It emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge from reliable sources, applying wisdom in its usage, and remaining humble and open-minded in our pursuit of knowledge. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to comprehend knowledge correctly and use it for the betterment of ourselves and humanity.